Recent studies show that approximately two-thirds of Americans vitamin D levels are low. Despite the name, vitamin D is not a regular vitamin; it is a steroid hormone. The body makes its own vitamin D with skin exposure to sunlight, but the results widely vary and sunscreen eliminates the effects of vitamin D between 95 to 98 percent.
According to research concluded by teams at Harvard, Oxford and other universities, increasing levels of vitamin D3 among the general population could prevent chronic diseases that claim nearly one million lives throughout the world each year. Researchers are also stating there could be a decreased rate of several types of cancers by 50 percent with a daily high dose of vitamin D. Is it possible that a daily high dose of vitamin D3 could actually help decrease these diseases and cancers in our population?
Research shows that a high dose of vitamin D is effective against cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, multiple sclerosis, cholesterol, COPD, bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis, premenstrual syndrome, tooth and gum disease, vitiligo (loss of skin pigment), and psoriasis.
Many vitamin D researchers believe the government’s recommendations for adequate vitamin D intake are far below what your body actually needs. Those guidelines call for 200 International Units (IU) a day up to the age of 50; 400 IU from 51 to 70; and 600 IU over the age of 70. However, studies show that to achieve blood levels of vitamin D that can protect you against chronic diseases, you will need an optimal dose of 1000 IU of vitamin D a day. Foods and supplements will help attain your desired goal, but most foods contain minimal doses of vitamin D. A three-ounce serving of salmon will give you 411 IU and you get 270 IU in 3.5-ounces of canned sardines. Different foods to increase in your diet would be eggs, cheddar cheese, and fortified milk, although the ranges are minimal.
Researchers would like to see more food fortification with vitamin D. They believe it needs to be easier for people to meet their vitamin D requirements through food supply. In addition to milk, a growing number of food manufacturers are catching on and adding vitamin D to foods like yogurt, breakfast cereal, margarine, and orange juice. Of course, the easiest way to make sure you are getting you high doses of vitamin D would be from sunlight. Unless you are in the higher northern latitudes you are able to produce more than enough vitamin D with about 10 to 15 minutes a day in the sun. After the first 15 minutes, be sure to apply an appropriate sunscreen.
When selecting vitamin D supplements, choose those that contain vitamin D3 rather than vitamin D2 since vitamin D3 is three to four more times powerful. Of course, before starting any new health regimen consult your physician. Until next time, more vitamin D a day might just keep your doctor away!
Sources: www.webmd.com, www. healthylivingmagazine.com v
Visiting students, ages 15-18, from Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and Thailand are seeking host families in and around Chattanooga for the upcoming 2014-2015 academic school year. Host families are needed for the fall semester and full school year.
Host families (traditional families, singles, empty nesters, etc.) serve as mentors and a home base for their student. Visiting students participate as active members of the family and integrate into their host’s daily routines and traditions just like any other family member.
iE-USA, the sponsoring program, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education and understanding through intercultural and academic exchange. iE-USA is certified by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel and adheres to all U.S. Department of State Student Exchange Program regulations and guidelines.
“Every year, Tennessee plays host to hundreds of talented, top-of-their-class students with the lifelong dream of studying in America,” says Joseph Bissell, iE-USA’s regional director. “Our state’s hospitality and prominent focus on academic enrichment makes it an ideal environment to develop cultural exchange and promote international diplomacy on a local level.”
Exchange student participants undergo an extensive application and orientation process in their home country prior to being accepted into iE-USA’s program. Each student is responsible for his or her own spending money and full health insurance coverage.
To learn more, contact Tennessee representative Emily Rolin at e.rolin@international-experience.net or 269-625-4662 . Host families may review prospective student profiles online at iE-USA.org. Families interested in hosting this year must apply by Aug. 15.
Source: iE-USA v